Methamphetamine will remain a principal drug threat to
Arkansas. The availability of methamphetamine produced in Mexico,
California, and southwestern states will increase as Mexican criminal
groups expand their wholesale distribution operations in Arkansas. The
availability of locally produced methamphetamine also will likely increase
to meet rising demand. As a consequence, methamphetamine-related
environmental problems will persist.

Crack cocaine will continue to pose a significant threat
to urban areas, and violent crime associated with the distribution and
abuse of crack will continue to be a concern in Arkansas. Street gangs in
the larger cities will continue to dominate the retail distribution of
crack cocaine. Powdered cocaine will remain available in sufficient
quantities to meet user demand. However, demand for powdered cocaine may
decline in certain areas of the state as methamphetamine abuse increases.

Marijuana will remain the most widely available and
frequently abused illicit drug in Arkansas. Mexico-produced marijuana will
continue to be the most prevalent type available. Mexican criminal groups
will remain the primary transporters of Mexico-produced marijuana in
Arkansas. Caucasian local independent dealers will continue to cultivate
cannabis in the state, distributing the marijuana they produce.

The popularity of ODDs, especially MDMA, is likely to
increase among teenagers and young adults. The demand for MDMA, GHB and
its analogs, and LSD may expand as the rave culture continues to take hold
throughout the state. The demand for diverted pharmaceuticals also is
likely to increase and may result in more pharmacy robberies, as well as
more incidents of prescription fraud, forgery, and doctor shopping.

Heroin abuse will remain at low levels compared with the
abuse of other illicit drugs. Heroin availability and abuse will likely
remain limited to larger cities such as Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Little
Rock, and West Memphis.